For a complete thorough understanding, read that paper AND the actual Bodhicaryavatara

Here goes:

Choices:

MD/PhD

MD with research distinction

MD (no research)

Physics

Herding goats in Nepal

Herding sheep in New Zealand

These are "Choices", but by no means am I certain to get any of them. I couldn't find a better one-word phrase to label it. The last two are meant to be a joke (obviously), unless my brain cracks, in which case, I'll be on the first Quantas plane out. (or Royal Nepal Airlines).

So why are the first 3 so difficult to decide on? Well, each have their advantages. The dual MD/PhD offers the best education, but is flawed as in I'll probably get a faculty position. That's a big no. I don't want to teach at 30 (perhaps 60). Academic research is slow and plauged by funding problems. Corporate research is better but cut-throat (as in the f4g business majors control what gets funded) and has very limited spots.

The pure MD provides a good stable income (no funding problems..), but I would probably be frustrated not being able to try my own thing.

Thus, the 2nd option is currently the best. Originally it started as the first choice, but now I'm wavering.

MD/PhD: "This is how you save them faster, and restore them to post-pubescent vigor. Oh, and here's the vaccine for EVERYTHING. People will also be fire-proof after taking this" (ed. I hope I never have to use the word 'post-pubescent' again)